Eden Hazard Suggests Mohamed Salah Nearing End of Peak Years
Former Real Madrid and Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has raised questions about Mohamed Salah's future at the top level, suggesting the Liverpool forward may be entering the final phase of his peak. The comments were made on French television, where Hazard was reflecting on the challenges of a top-level career. The Belgian winger, who retired in 2023 after a career hampered by injuries, spoke about the need for players to be "realistic" about their careers as they age.
Hazard, speaking on Canal+, was reflecting on the career trajectory of top players when he made the comments. He later clarified that he was also referencing his own career, having retired after a difficult period at Real Madrid. However, his remarks have been widely interpreted as a commentary on the current state of Salah's career at Liverpool. The Egyptian forward, 31, has scored 11 Premier League goals this season, a tally that, while respectable, is below the prolific standard he has set in previous campaigns.
Salah's goal in a 2-0 win over Fulham last weekend was the 400th of his professional career for club and country, a significant milestone. However, his overall output this season has prompted discussion about his long-term role at the highest level. Salah has scored 256 goals for Liverpool, contributing to a total of 400 goals for his clubs and the Egyptian national team. Despite the recent dip, his goal against Fulham was a reminder of his enduring quality, helping Liverpool keep pace in the race for a top-four Premier League finish.
The context of Hazard's comments adds a layer of poignancy. The Belgian winger, whose own career was cut short by persistent injury problems, spoke of the need to "be realistic and tell yourself that it's over sometimes." While not directly stating Salah is finished, his words have sparked debate about the 31-year-old's future at the very pinnacle of the game. Salah's contract situation at Liverpool also remains a topic of discussion, with his current deal set to expire in 2025 and no public progress on an extension.
For Liverpool, the immediate focus is on the Champions League, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-final second leg. The club will be hoping Salah can summon his best form for the crucial run-in, as they look to secure a Champions League spot for next season and progress in Europe. The coming months will be a significant test of whether Salah can maintain his status as one of the world's elite forwards or if, as Hazard's comments imply, the peak of his powers is now in the rearview mirror.
